TATA-ICRISAT-BAIF Supported Project

Tata-ICRISAT-ICAR Project
Combating Land Degradation and Increasing Productivity in
Madhya Pradesh and Eastern Rajasthan
Technical Report
March – December 2002
Submitted to
Sir Dorabji Tata Trust
Mumbai, India
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
Patancheru 502 324, Andhra Pradesh, India

Tata-ICRISAT-ICAR Project
Combating Land Degradation and Increasing Productivity in
Madhya Pradesh and Eastern Rajasthan
Technical Report
March – December 2002
Submitted to
Sir Dorabji Tata Trust
Mumbai, India
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
Patancheru 502 324, Andhra Pradesh, India

Contents
Executive Summary................................................................................................................................ i
Background............................................................................................................................................. 1
Objective...................................................................................................................................................2
Strategy.................................................................................................................................................... 2
Project Steering Committee .................................................................................................................. 4
Project Launching Workshop............................................................................................................... 5
ICRISAT, Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh............................................................................................ 5
IISS, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh .......................................................................................................... 7
HCM-RIPA, Jaipur, Rajasthan............................................................................................................ 9
Follow-on Meeting for Planning Project Activities in Thana Watershed, Bundi District,
Rajasthan ................................................................................................................................................11
Project Activities....................................................................................................................................13
Module I: Technical Backstopping for Efficient Use of Natural Resources in the
Benchmark Watersheds................................................................................................................13
Module II: Activities of Empowering the Farmers, NGOs, and Other Stakeholders
through Training and Dissemination of Information ..............................................................25
Module III: Establish an Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-Enables
Farmer-Centered Learning System.............................................................................................29
Appendix I: Workplan 2002-2003: Samaj Pragati Sahayog .............................................................30
Appendix 2: Development-cum-Research Interventions for the year 2002-2003:
Guna District, Madhya Pradesh........................................................................................................31
Appendix 3: Development-cum-Research Interventions for the year 2002-2003:
Bundi District, Rajasthan ...................................................................................................................34

Executive Summary
Land degradation in arid and semi-arid environment if not checked leads to desertification
resulting in reduced crop production, poverty, starvation and migration of people and animals.
This project “Combating Land Degradation and Increasing Productivity in Madhya Pradesh
and Eastern Rajasthan” supported by Sir Dorabji Tata Trust is working with a goal to prevent
further degradation of fragile lands in Western Madhya Pradesh and Eastern Rajasthan. The
overall objective of the project is to minimize land degradation and to improve food security
and livelihood opportunities for rural people through efficient management and conservation
of natural resources. The approach adopted in the project is a consortium approach for technical
backup through convergence of all development activities in a benchmark watershed. The
benchmark watersheds will be used as sites of learning and through capacity building the
benefits of integrated watershed management will be scaled-up to other watersheds in the
target districts.
During the past six months considerable progress is achieved for this project. The project was
launched by conducting stakeholders workshop at ICRISAT and the consortium of partners was
formed. To elevate the pitch for the project launching workshops were held in respective states
where chief ministers, agricultural ministers, government officials and partners of concerned
state participated. The main aim was to involve all concerned people (policymakers, researchers
and development departments in the region) to scale up the findings from the benchmark
project in respective regions. A steering committee under the chairmanship of Dr M.S.
Swaminathan met to advise the project to achieve the goals. A multidisciplinary team was
constituted which consisting of members from consortium partners selected watersheds in
Guna (Kailaspura, Badoda Kalam and Banjari Bardi), Dewas (Semli and Shampura) and Bundi
(Thana and Govardhanpura) districts. The NGO partners namely BAIF and SPS have initiated
detailed socio-economic survey as a part of base line information to identify constraints as well
as to measure impacts at a later date. Biophysical characterization of the benchmarks is
undertaken and the watersheds are georeferenced. For identifying the major limiting plant
nutrients in soils initial soil sampling was done in all the watersheds to characterize biological,
chemical and physical parameters in order to develop suitable action plans. The chemical
analysis indicated widespread deficiencies of micronutrients like Zn, B, secondary nutrients like
S and major nutrients like N and P. Based on the information the trials conducted at Guna
showed remarkable response of 91% to S and 43% to B of soybean grain in 15 farmers’ fields. A
soil-testing laboratory is established by SPS at Dewas watershed to provide the soil analysis
facility within the district. Bullock drawn tropicultors use was demonstrated in all the
watersheds during kharif planting. More efforts for training are needed in this area, so that
farmers achieve the comfort level to sow and apply nutrients more efficiently, effectively and
cover large areas. Farmers in all the watersheds have evaluated improved seeds of sorghum,
maize, black gram, pigeonpea during kharif and are evaluating chickpea during rabi season.

Many income generating activities like backyard poultry, improvement of dairy cattle by
artificial insemination, and vermicompost preparation have been introduced in the watersheds.
The farmers response is quite encouraging. The capacity building and empowerment of
stakeholders is the important strategy for scaling-up the benefits from benchmark watersheds.
In order to build the capacity of farmers and partners training programs were conducted in
areas like Vermicomposting, seed treatment, vegetable and Gliricidia nursery raising, BBF
making nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) production etc. As a part of awareness program
farmers of all the watersheds visited ICAR-ICRISAT farmers day at IISS, Bhopal. Farmers of
Guna also participated in a training program about use of soybean products in their diets at
Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering at Bhopal. Farmers days were also held in all the 3
district watersheds with a purpose to evaluate various options introduced by the farmers.
Training materials like watershed manual, pamphlets on vermicompost and Gliricidia and
construction of a website have been developed in order to scale up best bet options.
In conclusion during the first season the project has achieved several important milestones such
as signing MOUs, formation of Steering Committee and district level advisory committees,
identification of benchmark watersheds, georeferencing and biophysical characterization at
watersheds, establishment of automatic weather station and hydrological gauging stations,
training of farmers, introduction of tropicultors, evaluation of new seeds and responses to
nutrients (B, S, and Zn) amendments. Most importantly all partners are connected through
VSAT technology. We are on a very sound footing to see that the project activities take-off at a
higher speed.
(ii)

Tata-ICRISAT-ICAR Project
Combating Land Degradation and Increasing Productivity in Madhya
Pradesh and Eastern Rajasthan
It is a well-established fact that if continuing land degradation in arid and semi-arid
environment is not checked, it will lead to desertification. The consequences of land
degradation as well as that of desertification on rural livelihood in terms of reduced crop
production, poverty, malnutrition, starvation and migration of people and animals are also
known. The project supported by Sir Dorabji Tata Trust is addressing the issues of land
degradation and improving livelihoods of millions of poor living in two regions namely
Western Madya Pradesh and Eastern Rajasthan using science–driven technical options and
farmer participatory approach. Through this initiative three main processes namely water
erosion, wind erosion and nutrient depletion causing severe land degradation in the above
target region are being addressed to combat desertification and improve livelihoods by
increasing crop and livestock productivity using natural resources sustainably.
Background
In India, 65% of arable land is rainfed and the increasing demand for food and feed has to be
met from the increased production from the rainfed areas, as there is no scope for expansion of
cultivable area as well as expansion of irrigation facilities. The policy shift towards rainfed
lands is necessitated on social grounds as a large majority of the rural community has
subsistence-level existence with a sizeable component of people below the poverty line. The
incidence of poverty is 28% in the Asian developing countries, with high incidence of 35%
poverty in India. The poverty index in India is high and is around 40%. Although poverty in
India has shown a decline over time, the absolute numbers have increased substantially from
180 million in early 1950s to 350 million by the end of 1990s. The different facets of poverty are
malnutrition, non- or underemployment, poor reproductive health care and associated infant
mortality, high birth rates, illiteracy, and a pervading feeling of helplessness. By checking
further degradation of land as well as by improving them, the productivity of those lands can
be increased.
One of the major causes of land degradation is soil erosion. In India, erosion rates of 5 to 20 t
ha -1 (up to 100 t ha -1 ) are reported. In India, alone some 150 million ha are affected by water
erosion and 18 m ha by wind erosion. Thus, erosion leaves behind an impoverished soil on one
hand, and siltation of reservoirs and tanks on the other. This degradation induced source of
carbon emissions contribute also to far reaching global warming consequences. If the current
production practices are continued, the Asian countries will face a serious food shortage in the
very near future.
Besides soil erosion, runoff also leads to reduced water supplies in the catchment and increased
downstream flooding. The analysis of water balance using historical weather data sets for two
locations in Madhya Pradesh indicated that for this region with high water-holding capacity
soils (200 mm) the mean water surplus ranged from 270 to 508 mm. Even with 120 per cent
cropping intensity in Madhya Pradesh, the groundwater table is depleting every year and the
soils are degraded and impoverished. In fact in most semi-arid areas groundwater has reached
a state of criticality with availability of water even for drinking getting jeopardized. The

ICRISAT’s survey in the rainfed region of Madhya Pradesh also indicated depletion of
groundwater at the rate of 0.5 to 1 m per year, although the annual rainfall received is around
1100 mm. With increased extraction and limited recharge, the water tables have declined so low
that there is a danger of aquifers drying up in the next two to three decades in most situations.
Objectives
The overall objective of this project is to minimize land degradation and to improve the food
security and livelihood opportunities for rural people in rainfed areas of India. The approach
will involve efficient management and conservation of natural resources through convergence
of cost-effective efficient technologies for increasing the food and feed production through
integrated watershed approach. The specific objectives are:
• To develop and apply a holistic participatory watershed-based model for convergence of
activities in the watershed encompassing suitable technical, institutional, gender equity, and
policy options for enhanced agricultural productivity and crop-livestock management
systems to alleviate poverty;
• To establish information and communication technologies (ICT) enabled farmer-centered
learning and monitoring system to provide technical know-how to the farmers, landless
rural people, and the watershed implementing agencies through empowerment by bringing
together learning of national and international experiences;
• To understand the linkages between ecosystem degradation, socioeconomic factors, and
productivity of rainfed areas in India to design mechanism to strengthen linkages.
Strategy
Despite the severity of the problems of land degradation and low yields of rainfed agriculture
in this heartland region of rainfed farming, the type of initiative proposed in this project would
not have been possible few years ago. However, currently in India, several government and
national and international development agencies have realized the benefits of holistic
watershed management and are investing in watersheds. However, many programs are
addressing the issues of soil and water conservation in the watersheds and issues related with
efficient use of water are neglected depriving the tangible economic benefits from the
watersheds to individuals.
The way forward is to increase the effectiveness of the ongoing watershed programs executed
by several NGOs and government departments. This could be achieved by adopting an
innovative farmer participatory consortium model developed by ICRISAT and NARSs partners
for sustainable management of watersheds. This model adopts a holistic approach and provides
technical backstopping for empowering the stakeholders i.e., farmers, NGOs and policy
makers. It will involve a change in the mindset of the policy makers, farmers, and implementing
agencies regarding the need to take a holistic systems approach i.e., livelihoods approach in the
watersheds rather than chasing the structures to spend the money through watershed
programs. Empowerment of the farmers to take care of their natural resources efficiently will
resolve many problems and will force the change from supply-driven to demand-driven
watershed management approach. In long-term such an approach will be sustainable and the
large investments in the watersheds will become the fixed capital assets for the society, rather
than one-time financial assistance doled out to the resource poor farmers.
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Consortium Approach
For Tata-ICRISAT-ICAR project a consortium is formed and the consortium partners are:
Organization
ICAR
CRIDA
CAZRI
IISS
NRSA
SAUs
JNKVV
MPATU
BAIF
SPS
ICRISAT
Members
Dr. H.P. Singh and team
Dr. Pratap Narain and team
Dr. C.L. Acharya and team
Dr. R.R. Navalgund and team
Dr. R.A. Sharma and team
Dr. Pratap Singh and team
Dr. N.G. Hegde and team
Dr. Mihir Shah and team
Dr. S.P. Wani and team
The MOUs are signed and work was initiated during the rainy season of 2002.
Our important strategy is to adopt the approach of “Convergence” of all improved livelihood
activities in the watershed as shown in figure where watersheds are used as entry points.
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Convergence in the Watershed
Horticulture and
forestry-based
activities
Poultry-based
activities
Agricultural-based
activities
Improve Rural
Livelihoods for all
People in the
Watershed
4
Livestock-based
activities
Fishery and related
activities
Small enterprises in the
Project
watershed (value addition to
Steering
Committee
the products, improved
efficiency of operations etc.,)
The steering committee
for the project serves as advisory body and also reviews the progress. This committee is in
place which is functioning under the chairmanship of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan. The first meeting
of the committee was held on 21 November 2002 and following members attended the meeting:
Dr. William D. Dar (DG, ICRISAT), Mr. Inderjit Khanna (Chief Secretary of Rajasthan), Dr. J.S.
Samra (DDG, ICAR; rep the DG, ICAR), Ms. Rita Sharma (Joint Secretary, Ministry of
Agriculture, Govt of India), Dr. R.R. Navalgund (Director, NRSA, Hyderabad), Mr. S.N.
Batliwalla (Sir Dorabji Tata Trust), Mr. Mukund Gorakshkar (Sir Dorabji Tata Trust), Dr. S.P.
Wani (ICRISAT), Dr V Balaji, (ICRISAT, Spl. Invitee) and Mr. A.V. Singh, Chief Secretary of
Madhya Pradesh absent.
The main highlights are as follows:
1. The Director General of ICRISAT and the senior representative of the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust
made their welcome remarks. The Chair observed that the challenge lay in creating an
immediate impact.
2. S. P Wani made a comprehensive presentation based on the work progress at benchmark
watersheds. The emphasis was on formation of new partnerships and on the use of new
science tools. The benchmarking process was described in detail, establishment of
monitoring systems for biophysical parameters, capacity building initiatives and the
significance of the micronutrient initiative was highlighted. The launch of projects in the
States of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan with multiple stakeholders was highlighted.
3. The Committee appreciated the progress made in a short span of time. There was a
suggestion that the project activities should be contextualised with the guidelines issued by
the Union Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development. The accent needs to be on
value addition vis-à-vis those guidelines. Sensitivity to land tenure and local land
ownership patterns (private as well as public) should be ingrained in project activities.
Value addition will be through infusion of new science, as well as through adopting a
holistic and participatory approach. For sustainable management of initiatives emphasis on
appropriate exit mechanisms need to be built in the project from initial stages.

4. The Chief Secretary of Rajasthan emphasized the importance of working with institutions of
local governance (the Panchayati Raj institutions). There is a need to institutionalize
partnerships at the district level and even beyond to the block level. Attention to scale up
must be paid even at this stage. It was mentioned that additional resources for undertaking
emergency relief in the project areas in Rajasthan may be required.
5. The Chair summed up discussions as pointing to the need for this project to take the
watershed movement to the next stage of its evolution. Creation of immediate benefit is a
must. This would serve as an excellent entry point with credibility. Mitigation work with a
well-defined time line is a good example. Areas such as non-conventional animal nutrition
should receive priority attention, and media should be brought in as partners in dialogue.
6. The ongoing research collaboration with the NRSA should be strengthened, and archival
data may be used extensively to monitor changes. Use of common project resources such as
the Internet bandwidth should be governed by ethics-based guidelines.
7. The Committee will meet every six months and could meet at project site, to review
progress and to provide advice and guidance.
Project Launching Workshops
ICRISAT, Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh
The Tata-ICRISAT-ICAR project launching workshop was held on 26-27 March 2002 at
ICRISAT, Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh, India. Scientists from National Remote Sensing Agency
(NRSA), Hyderabad; Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad;
Jawaharlal Nehru Krishi Viswa Vidyala (JNKVV), Jabalpur; Maharana Pratap Agricultural and
Technology University (MPATU), Udaipur; Bharatiya Agro Industries Foundation (BAIF),
Pune; Samaj Pragati Sahayog, Bagli, Madhya Pradesh; Andhra Pradesh Rural Livelihoods
Project (APRLP), Hyderabad; International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics
(ICRISAT), Patancheru, Andhra Pradesh; International Water Management Institute (IWMI),
c/o ICRISAT, Hyderabad; International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), c/o ICRISAT,
Hyderabad; and Sir Dorabji Tata Trust, Mumbai participated in the planning meeting.
The objectives of the workshop were:
• To appraise the partners about project activities;
• To develop detailed plans for agricultural development at various watershed sites for
minimizing land degradation, increasing productivity and generating employment
opportunities; and
• To form a consortium for the Tata-ICRISAT Project.
Dr. R.R. Navalgund, Director, NRSA chaired the inaugural session. Dr. S.P. Wani, Project
Coordinator, on behalf of ICRISAT management and Tata-ICRISAT project, welcomed all the
scientists and also Mr. Mukund Gorakshkar, Project Officer from the Sir Dorabji Tata Trust. He
highlighted the involvement of scientific organizations, NGOs and donors to form the
consortium to improve the livelihoods of poor rural people living in rainfed areas. He
emphasized that the project was built and aimed at developing a model for a consortium
approach for increasing productivity in rainfed areas and minimizing land degradation. He
hoped that outcomes from the project would serve as an example for future endeavors.
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In the formal launching of the Tata-ICRISAT project, Dr. William D. Dar, Director General of
ICRISAT, welcomed Dr. R.R. Navalgund, partners from Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, CRIDA,
APRLP, ILRI and IWMI. Dr. W.,D. Dar in his inaugural address highlighted ICRISAT's mission
and indicated that ICRISAT and Tata Trust shared a common goal of improving the livelihoods
of millions of rural poor through sustainable use of natural resources. He expressed confidence
that what we have initiated with Tata Trust will result in long-term partnership and thanked
the Tata Trust board for supporting ICRISAT. He said success would depend on the partnership
venture to serve as an example and once again congratulated the brains behind the project, Dr.
S.P.Wani and Mr. Mukund Gorakshkar.
Dr. William D. Dar in his presentation on “Improving Rural Livelihoods: Greening Drought
Prone Areas of Asia” spoke about constraints in the Asian SAT, which are poverty, degraded
natural resources and malnourishment. With growing population in the present water-deficient
world, the points that need to be addressed are: what is the manner in which child
malnourishment can be answered? He raised questions on livelihood and nutritional security
for millions of poor in the SAT. ICRISAT's vision and mission would provide solutions for a
water- deficient world through integrated watershed management with community
participation, empowerment of women, and capacity building.
The formal launching of the Tata-ICRISAT-ICAR project was followed by a presentation from
Mr. Mukund Gorakshkar, Project Officer of the Tata Trust on “An overview of the Sir Dorabji
Tata Trust activities in India”. He gave an overview of the trust activities and introduced noted
trustees of the organization. He spoke about the organizations like such as Tata Institute of
Social Sciences (TISS), Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Tata Institute of Fundamental
Research (TIFR) promoted by the Tata group. Mr. Mukund said that the challenges ahead as to
how are we prefer to call ourselves as an organization to learn and that too to learn at grassroot
levels. In his remarks he said that it is a great effort by Dr. S.P. Wani who has initiated the
6

project. The Tata Trust also believed that it would be a model project for several other
organizations.
During the technical session, the role and responsibilities of different partners were discussed.
Broad guidelines and approaches to select benchmark sites, initial surveys, constraints
identification and some beginning to evaluate options to overcome the constraints were also
discussed.
IISS, Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh
The Tata-ICRISAT-ICAR project in Madhya Pradesh, was launched by Honorable Chief
Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Sri Digvijay Singh. The function was organized by ICRISAT and
IISS and was held on 20 June 2002 at the Indian Institute of Soil Science (IISS), Bhopal. The
Honorable Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shri Digvijay Singh; the Honorable Agriculture
Minister, Shri Mahendra Singh; Dr. M.S. Swaminathan; DGs of ICRISAT Dr. William D. Dar;
and Indian Council for Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Secretary, Department of Agricultural
Research and Education (DARE), Government of India, Dr. Panjab Singh; Sir Dorabji Trust
representative, Mr. Mukund Gorakshkar; non-governmental organizations’ (NGOs)
representatives; ICAR and state agricultural universities’ (SAUs) staff; state government
departments’ staff; Chairman, Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce (FICCI) Agriculture
Committee, Mr. V.S. Aggarwal, farmers and others attended the function. Dr. Acharya
highlighted the role played by ICAR in general and IISS in particular for the development of
agriculture in Madhya Pradesh.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. M. S. Swaminathan lauded Tata’s initiative in supporting
research, as evidenced by three major projects on soil, land and water conservation in the
country. The three projects are: Natural Resource Management on three major soil types (black,
red and alluvial soils), Consultative Group on Land and Water Care and the present project
under the leadership of ICRISAT. The present project signifies the power of partnership
between an international institute, ICAR, state agricultural universities, NGOs and farmers. Dr.
Swaminathan highlighted the direct link between natural resource management and the
livelihoods of millions of poor. He also suggested the establishment of a National Center of
Training and Demonstration in Precision Dryland Farming in the Narmada Valley of Madhya
Pradesh.
Dr. William D. Dar, Director General, ICRISAT in his speech stressed the link between poverty
and political and social instability and highlighted ICRISAT’s on-going efforts for improving
the livelihoods of millions of poor in Asia and Africa. Citing the example of Adarsha watershed
in Kothapally, Andhra Pradesh, he noted that the only way to increase productivity of rainfed
areas is better management of rainwater and other natural resources.
Dr. Panjab Singh, Director General, ICAR highlighted the need for diversifying rainfed systems
to increase productivity and reduce production costs; and the need to take a holistic approach to
natural resource management. He called for a thorough evaluation of policies in the utilization
of ground water considering all possible consequences.
Mr. Mukund Gorakshkar, representing Sir Dorabji Trust, stated that support for the project in
Madhya Pradesh was important because the western region of the state is a very fragile and
degradation-prone region and the success of the watershed work in the state should lead to
improved livelihoods of the poor people of this fragile region of Madhya Pradesh.
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Mr. Mahendra Singh, Agriculture Minister, Government of Madhya Pradesh thanked the
collaborative effort by Tatas, ICRISAT and ICAR for combating land degradation in MP and
Rajasthan. The minister stressed the need to develop soil and water conservation practices for
increasing the productivity of drylands in the state.
Hon’ble Chief Minister, Shri Digvijay Singh lauded the partnership effort by ICRISAT, ICAR
and the house of Tata for addressing the issues of land degradation and crop productivity, and
also highlighted the need to improve the quality of life of poor farmers in rainfed areas. The
watershed program in MP has resulted in reduction in area under kharif fallow and increase in
area under rabi also. He described the efforts of the state government for checking soil erosion
and promoting soil conservation practices and noted that the problem was not of water scarcity
but of its proper management. The chief minister promised all government help to ensure that
this project becomes a model project not only for Madhya Pradesh but also for the whole
country. He opined that Narmada valley might be an ideal area for a center for precision
farming in drylands.
Dr. S.P. Wani, Project Coordinator reemphasized the importance of partnership and
participatory approach for increasing incomes of resource-poor farmers in the rainfed areas by
increasing productivity and minimizing land degradation. He thanked all the dignitaries for
their guidance and support for the project activities in MP. He also thanked one and all for
making a success of the function for launching of the project.
During the technical session various partners highlighted their on-going work in general and
their plan in the benchmark watersheds. A group discussion with farmers identified the
constraints faced by the farmers and possible solutions were proposed by the experts.
8

HCM-RIPA, Jaipur, Rajasthan
The Tata-ICRISAT-ICAR project was launched in a function held at Hari Charan Mathur–
Rajasthan Institute of Public Administration (HCM-RIPA) on 26 July 2002 at Jaipur.
The launching workshop was organized by ICRISAT, ICAR and Director, Agriculture,
Government of Rajasthan. The participants included Prof. M.S. Swaminathan, Chairman, M.S.
Swaminathan Research Foundation, Sri Ashok Gehlot, Honorable Chief Minister of Rajasthan;
Sri Govind Singh Gurjar, Honorable Minister of Agriculture; Dr. Panjab Singh, Secretary,
Department of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE) and Director General, Indian
Council of Agricultural Research; Mr. Inderjeet Khanna, Chief Secretary, Government of
Rajasthan, Mr. Mukund Gorakshkar, Sir Dorabji Tata Trust; Dr. A.S. Faroda, Vice-Chancellor,
Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture; Dr. N.G. Hegde, President, BAIF, Pune; Dr. H.P.
Singh, Director Central Research Institute for Dryland Agriculture (CRIDA), Hyderabad; Dr.
Pratap Narain, Director, Central Arid-Zone Research Institute (CAZRI), Jodhpur; executives of
Government of Rajasthan; NGOs; development agencies; Directors of ICAR institutes; and
members of press and media. Honorable Chief Minister of Rajasthan Sri Ashok Gehlot launched
the project at Jaipur.
Mr Mukund Gorakshkar in his welcome speech, highlighted that Rajasthan is prone to severe
land degradation and Hon’ble Chief Minister has taken dynamic decisions for integrated rural
development, which attracted the Tatas to select Rajasthan as one of the benchmark site for this
initiative.
Dr. S.P. Wani, Project Coordinator, ICRISAT welcomed the dignitaries and participants on
behalf of Dr William D. Dar, ICRISAT Director General. Dr Wani gave a brief background of
ICRISAT, its goal, objectives, mandate, vision and strategy. He stated that through consortium
approach and by adopting fully participatory approach for convergence this project team will
achieve the project goals with the encouragement and support of Hon’ble Chief Minister, active
support of state government and other consortium partners.
Professor M.S. Swaminathan, mentioned that, the launching of this watershed management
project has special significance in the context of current severe drought in the country. He
highlighted that with increasing population and decreasing level of natural resources per
capita, increasing water scarcity, and large gap between precipitation and evapotranspiration in
the arid and semi-arid tropics makes rainfed agriculture prone to severe land degradation. He
expressed that this ICRISAT initiative is laudable since the partnership is the driving force of
this project. He highlighted the prevailing drought situation in the country and emphasized the
need to operationalize the “drought code” to manage the prevailing drought in different parts
of the country. He suggested that every calamity provides an opportunity for initiating action
which will help in reducing the adverse impacts of such calamities in future.
Hon’ble Agriculture Minister of Rajsthan Sri Govind Singh Gurjar mentioned that several
watershed programs are going on in the state for quite some time, now it is time to further
strengthen these projects through the involvement of various organizations and by
overcoming the past deficiencies.
Hon’ble Chief Minister Sri Ashok Gehlot complemented all the scientific communities and
collaborators involved in bringing up TATA-ICRISAT-ICAR project, which addresses the
important issues of rainfed agriculture in Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. He mentioned that
the state government has spent huge sums of money on watersheds but the expected benefits
9

are not realized. Without active participation of people no technology can be successfully
implemented and sustained. We need to have a close relationship between the researcher,
government, and farmers to ensure the benefits. He called for all political parties, NGOs,
government organizations and others involved to speak and do that only which is of public
interest. He extended full support to Prof. Swaminathan’s suggestion of establishing a virtual
university to manage climate variability in one of the universities in Rajasthan. Sri Gehlot said
that his government will ensure all the necessary support for this project and the Bundi district
model developed through this project will be replicated throughout the state.
Dr. Panjab Singh, Secretary, Department of Agriculture Research and Education (DARE), and
Director General, Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) stated that “this partnership
project between national agricultural research systems (NARS)-ICAR-NGOs-farmers, and
ICRISAT-supported by Tatas will bring large impact in rainfed areas of Rajasthan and Madhya
Pradesh in terms of sustaining production, alleviating poverty, improving the quality of
life/livelihood, generating employment and controlling the land degradation”.
Dr. N.G. Hegde, President of BAIF Research Foundation gave the background of BAIF’s
program and highlighted various development initiatives undertaken by BAIF in Rajasthan viz
cattle development program, cross breeding program, pasture land development program,
horticulture development program and watershed programs. Mr Inderjeet Khanna, Chief
Secretary, Government of Rajasthan stated that rainfed agriculture is very important for this
state and watershed programs are found more rewarding than other development programs in
the state.
Dr S.P. Wani thanked one and all for making a success of the function for launching of the
project.
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The technical sessions discussed various problems facing the farmers in the benchmark district
and possible ways to overcome them through the strength of various partners.
Follow-on Meeting for Planning Project Activities in Thana Watershed,
Bundi District, Rajasthan
Dr. S.P. Wani and Mr. P. Pathak, ICRISAT, Hyderabad; Dr. R.L. Shampura NBSS&LUP,
Udaipur; Mr. T.P. Mathur Govt. of Rajasthan, Jaipur; Dr. J.C. Tewari CAZRI, Jodhpur; Dr.
Sreenath Dixit, CRIDA, Hyderabad; Dr. K.P. Raverkar ICRISAT, Bhopal; Mr. H.B. Panchal,
BAIF, Bundi; Dr. A.K. Chaurasia, BAIF, Bundi; and Zea Uddin Ahmed, Govt of Rajasthan, Kota
attended the meeting.
Dr. S.P. Wani presented the project background and the activities to the participants. The need
for consortium approach was emphasized to utilize the strengths of different organizations and
harness the synergy in the system. Dr. Wani discussed previous and ongoing projects where the
consortium is working effectively followed by the presentations. Dr. Chaurasia briefed the
partners about the benchmark site, water conservation and community land rehabilitation work
done by BAIF. He also presented a brief report of the progress of Tata-ICRISAT-ICAR–BAIF
project at Thana and Govardhanpura. The consortium partners discussed the possibilities and
suggested the contributions which can be made by their organizations which are as follows:
NBSS&LUP, Udaipur
• To contribute to the project through developing soil resource map farmer-wise for the
project area and train the project staff in soil sample collection.
• Soil mapping of Bundi district will be undertaken and land use planning will be
undertaken.
CAZRI, Jodhpur
• To take up inventorisation of the existing biodiversity in the degraded areas and the areas
rehabilitated under Silvi-pastor development project of BAIF, Bundi using local students.
• Undertake training of farmers in the area of grafting as well as assist for establishing
suitable agroforestry systems in project.
CRIDA, Hyderabad
• To gather information from the villagers about their perception of biodiversity and
conservation measures so that the same can be validated by scientific methods of enquiry.
• To assist the project staff to prepare an inventory of the common pool resources in the
project area study the prevailing CPR management systems and to examine the possibility
of new CPR management interventions.
ICRISAT, Patancheru
• Improved soil, water, nutrient, and crop management options for increasing and sustaining
productivity of the systems and continuous monitoring and impact assessment for various
interventions in the watershed.
• assist in establishing village-based seed banks for the improved crop varieties
11

• Human resource development in the area of integrated watershed development,
vermicomposting, IPM, INM, etc.
• Microbial diversity comparative study for degraded and rehabilitated common pasture
land.
Department of Agriculture, Government of Rajasthan
• To help the project acquire all the information about the on-going government projects
such as health, education, and poverty alleviation for converging these schemes at
benchmark site.
• To procure weather data sets form the existing met observatories of the entire state.
Developing Effective Partnership
• It was also felt important to maintain a responsible and reliable communication among the
partners.
Visit to Thana and Govardhanpura Watersheds
All the members visited the watershed sites and the observations/suggestions are summarized
below.
The fact that both physical and social measures are needed to revive the degraded lands was
very clearly evident. In-situ conservation measures with peoples participation has led to the
increase in the green cover. In contrast, there was hardly any regeneration in the adjoining
lands belonging to the forest department where only physical fencing was erected without any
in-situ conservation measures.
Summary of interaction with the villagers at Govardhanpura
• Farmers expressed satisfaction with the project for helping them to improve the
productivity of their lands by promoting measures which will help them to convert
increased water availability into increased incomes.
• The observed that the maize sown by tropicultor had a better stand and facilitated
interculturing and weeding. Further they also observed that the implement helped reduce
manpower requirement by 2/3 rd and only one person can take up the operation in place of
three and also reduce seed requirement by half.
• It was noticed that the cattle intensity per household was high and hence farmers preferred
growing wheat in the rabi despite poor water availability. It was however explained to them
that they could set aside about 30-40% of their land for wheat and grow mustard, chickpea
or linseed which need less water in the remaining area.
• The women’s self help groups (SHGs) that are engaged in soap powder were advised that
they can expand this activity by targeting nearby markets. They needed help to protect
their hands while mixing the powder.
• Women expressed interest in learning vermicomposting, pickling and processing of chillies
and turmeric.
• They observed that the installation of flourmill in the village has reduced their drudgery
and saved time.
12

• There was however no consensus on training women to attend to the simple health
problems of the village women. The dialogue on this need to continue. Women observed
that there is no Anganwadi in their village to help them raise their children.
• The team visited Bhimsagar and talked to the beneficiaries of the structures. The structure
was constructed with substantial contribution from the farmers. This has a very significant
rise in water table in the surrounding area. Even during this year’s scanty rainfall the water
table is good. This has recharged many abandoned open wells and farmers are very
enthusiastic with this project which will help them to translate the benefits from improved
water availability into increased productivity and incomes.
• The team observed that if appropriate land treatment in the surrounding areas is not
undertaken through vegetation, the structure might get silted up very soon. It was also
suggested to use the exposed tank-bed with receding water for growing short-duration
chickpea or green gram crops.
Project Activities
During first season, the following activities were undertaken in three modules in the selected
nucleus watersheds.
Module I: Technical Backstopping for Efficient Use of Natural Resources in the
Benchmark Watersheds
Site selection and baseline survey
A multidisciplinary team of scientists from NRSA, CRIDA, SAU and ICRISAT visited Dewas,
Guna and Bundi along with our SPS and BAIF partners. After visiting probable sites and
interaction with farmers the following sites for nucleus/benchmark watersheds were selected.
Kanad watershed (village Semli and Shampura) in Dewas district in M.P., Bada Kailashpura,
Sundarpura, Banjari Bardi in Guna district in M.P., Thana, Govardhanpura in Bundi district
Rajasthan.
In this report these watersheds will be referred as Dewas watershed, Guna watershed and Bundi
watershed for brevity. Samaj Pragati Sahayog (SPS) is the NGO and college of Agriculture
Indore, ICAR and NRSA are our partners in Kanad watershed. BAIF is the NGO, IISS Bhopal
(ICAR) and NRSA are our partners in Guna nucleus watershed. BAIF, Rajasthan Agricultural
University, CAZRI (ICAR), and MPUAT are our partners in Rajasthan.
Planning meeting with partners including farmers’ representatives were conducted in all the
watersheds. Major constraints for crop production and other livelihood opportunities were
discussed. Annual workplans for each watershed were developed (Appendix 1, 2 and 3).
13

Biophysical and socioeconomic characterization
The selected watershed are georeferenced and the watershed boundaries and drainage
networks are digitized (Fig.1 & 2).
Figure 1. Figure 2.
14

The detailed baseline surveys covering existing status of natural resources, socio-economic
status, productivity and constraints for sustainable productivity are in progress in all the
watersheds.
In order to plan accurately various land and water management interventions, some base line
information has to be collected. In every nucleus watershed automatic weather station has been
established to monitor daily weather parameters like rainfall, minimum and maximum
temperature, humidity, light intensity etc automatically. The data were down loaded from time
to time and being used in modeling exercises. In addition to this, automatic rain gauges are also
kept in different parts of watershed to monitor any variation in the rainfall. (Fig.3).
Maximum, Minimum Temperature and Rainfall at Madhusudhangarh watershed
50
160
Temperature (O C)
45
40
35
30
25
20
15
10
5
T-Min
T-Max
Rain (mm)
140
120
100
80
60
40
20
Rainfall (mm)
0
0
16-Jun
28-Jun
10-Jul
22-Jul
3-Aug
15-Aug
27-Aug
8-Sep
20-Sep
2-Oct
14-Oct
26-Oct
7-Nov
19-Nov
1-Dec
13-Dec
25-Dec
6-Jan
Date
Figure 3.
15

All the benchmark watersheds were sampled for variability in soil properties to assess the land
capability. The soil samples were analyzed for physical, chemical, and biological parameters.
As an example, the results of the Bundi watershed for physical parameters are described here.
In Thana and Goverdanapura watersheds large variation in soil textural properties was
observed. The clay content in 0–15 cm layer varied from 7.72 to 25.06 per cent with a mean
value of 13.55%. Similarly at 15–30 cm depth clay content varied from 8.32 to 30.51% with an
average value of 16.87 % (Table 1.).
Table 1. Textural properties of soil from Thana and Goverdhanpura watersheds, 2002.
Gravel
(%)
Coarse
sand (%)
Fine sand
(%)
Total sand
(%)
Silt
(%)
Clay
(%)
Depth 0–15 cm
Minimum 1.47 2.75 29.53 32.71 18.66 7.72
Maximum 27.80 36.31 61.77 73.40 46.14 25.06
Mean 8.96 15.78 40.71 56.49 29.97 13.55
SE 1.731 2.192 2.125 3.039 2.080 1.172
Depth 15–30 cm
Minimum 0.00 2.06 22.62 24.68 21.13 8.32
Maximum 18.96 46.80 56.61 70.55 50.21 30.51
Mean 6.10 14.73 37.02 51.76 31.38 16.87
SE 1.190 2.557 2.187 3.116 1.947 1.353
Land management
For minimizing runoff and soil loss from fields appropriate landforms are important and
similarly excess water could be safely taken out from fields using appropriate landform options.
In all the watersheds suitable landforms i.e., contour plating, contour planting with a dead
furrow at 20 m, broadbed and furrow (BBF) and ridges and furrows along with farmers normal
practice. In Madhya Pradesh a demonstration of BBF was done in Guna watershed and one
farmer volunteered to adopt this season. Other farmers observed the crop performance on these
BBF when compared to traditional method. The BBF landform was evaluated at Neemkheda
SPS farm by using sorghum, cotton and pigeonpea as test crops. Runoff soil loss gauging
stations have been established in all the benchmark watersheds to quantify the runoff as well as
the soil loss as a consequence of land and water management interventions when compared to
traditional land management systems. This information along with hydrological information
will help to evaluate various land and water management options so that the appropriate one
can be scaled up through satellite watersheds. The data in Table 2 is an example of runoff and
soil loss during these rainfall events at Bundi.
Table 2. Daily runoff and soil loss from Thana watershed, 2002.
Date
Rainfall
Runoff
Soil loss
(mm)
(mm)
(t ha -1 )
20 Jul 25.4 1.1 0.034
10 Aug 65.7 11.2 0.407
24 Aug 33.4 0.5 0.012
Seasonal total 12.8 0.453
16

Improved machinery
In rainfed areas efficiency for farm operations is very critical due to a small time window for
particular agricultural operations. Inadequate plant stand is identified as an important
constraint for increasing the productivity. ICRISAT has developed a bullock drawn tropicultor
which is commonly referred as poor man’s tractor. The tropicultor is a multipurpose tool bar
and can be used for land preparation, seeding cum fertilizer application, interculture etc. If it
used properly, it should result in saving cost and uniform germination and crop growth.
Farmers in all the watersheds were trained with hands-on to use tropicultor and also
demonstration trials were planted using tropicultors. Farmers were very happy with the
uniform crop stand and considerable time saving. However, further training efforts are needed
and more number of farmers used the tropicultor comfortably during rabi season for sowing the
seeds. In Guna watershed farmers comfortably used tractor mounted BBF maker and planter
for sowing soybean on beds.
Productivity enhancement through improved crop varieties, INM and IPM
Even before completing the baseline survey, a large number of interventions are being
evaluated in all the nucleus watersheds for the reason of not loosing the rainy season.
Soil sampling and analysis
For understanding the limiting nutrients in soil for increased crop yields systematic soil
sampling was done in every watershed after broadly dividing the watershed based on
toposequence. The chemical analysis of these watershed has been completed and used for
17

advising the farmers suitable integrated nutrient management options for increasing the
productivity. The results from Guna are quite revealing. All samples were deficient in Sulphur
(1.5 to 8.4 ug g -1 ). Zinc was deficient in all plots except one. Olsen-P (available P) levels were
also low to medium (2.7 to 14.3 ug g -1 ). This information is being used in our INM interventions.
While in Dewas most of the soils are deficient in av P, S, Zn and B. In Bundi also a large number
of fields are deficient in S, B and Zn (Table 3). SPS has established a soil testing laboratory at
Neemkheda, their training site. The person to be incharge was trained at soil testing laboratory
of Indore Agricultural College.
Plantation of Gliricidia and tree saplings
Gliricidia a nitrogen fixing tree is quite drought tolerant and is used as a hedge row plantation
on bunds for in-situ generation of N-rich organic matter. In all the watersheds Gliricidia seeds
were provided to our partners for growing the nursery. In Guna watershed 12000 saplings were
planted on bunds. Cuttings of Gliricidia were also tried but most of them died because of the
drought. Direct seeding of Gliricidia was tried in Dewas watershed and most of the seedlings
dried up after emergence due to drought. Raising saplings and then planting in the rainy season
seems to be a promising technique. This technique will be tried extensively next year. In Dewas
watershed more than 50000 saplings of various tree species were planted in wastelands.
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Table 3. TATA Project initial soil analysis, deficient elements data.
Sulphur Zinc Boron Org.Carbon Av.P (Olsen)
District Watershed No.of Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range Mean Range
Farmers ppm ppm ppm % ppm
Madhya Pradesh
Guna Guna 18 6.5 2.7-14.3 0.5 0.2-1.7 1.0 0.6-2.2 0.8 0.5-1.1 3.3 0.1-8.4
%framers Deficient 89 94 0 0 72
Dewas Simili
Top 5 5.4 4.8-6.2 0.4 0.2-0.6 0.3 0.2-0.6 0.6 0.3-0.8 1.3 0.2-3.7
%framers Deficient 100 100 100 40 100
Middle 5 6.3 5.2-7.4 0.4 0.3-0.5 0.3 0.2-0.4 0.7 0.5-0.9 1.2 0.6-1.8
%framers Deficient 100 100 100 20 100
Lower 5 6.3 5.00-8.3 0.6 0.5-0.8 0.2 0.1-0.2 0.4 0.3-0.5 2.3 1.7-2.9
%framers Deficient 100 40 100 100 100
Shampura
Top 3 8.2 7.6-8.8 0.5 0.4-0.5 0.1 0.1-0.2 0.6 0.5-0.7 1.6 0.5-3.1
%framers Deficient 100 100 100 0 100
Middle 3 8.3 7.6-9.5 0.5 0.4-0.5 0.2 0.2-0.3 0.8 0.7-1.0 5 1.8-10.8
%framers Deficient 100 100 100 0 67
Lower 3 4.5 3.9-5.6 0.5 0.4-0.5 0.3 0.2-0.3 0.7 0.7-0.7 2.3 1.6-3.6
%framers Deficient 100 100 100 0 100
Rajasthan
Bundi Govardhanpur 18 7.4 3.3-25.7 0.8 0.2-1.8 0.5 0.1-0.9 0.65 0.3-1.2 6.5 0.9-20.1
%framers deficient 83 56 61 44 56
Thana 18 11.1 3.6-51.0 0.5 0.2-1.3 0.4 0.1-1.0 0.54 0.2-1.1 5.9 1.5-13.2
%framers deficient 61 83 83 50 61
19

Compost preparation
Organic manures are important along with biological sources of N in INM. In order to recycle
organic wastes in the watersheds composting is an excellent option to improve the quality of
maures. Farmers of Guna watershed were already preparing compost by using NADEP
method. In addition to the NADEP method we demonstrated vermicomposting in 20 farmers’
fields.
Demonstration of Vermicompost preparation
The later one is a cheaper method while compared to the former as it costs nearly Rs. 750-100
in raising the structure. The former has a bigger capacity when compared to the later. Farmers
at this stage want to use this valuable material for their own vegetable and other high value
crops. They have plan to form a SHG and sell the excess compost in Bhopal city where there is a
good demand. In Dewas watershed the vermicomposting is practiced in SPS research farm. The
improved methodology for vermicomposting will be evaluated before extending the technique
to the watershed farmers.
Intercropping
Intercropping is an option for increasing the resource use efficiency under rainfed conditions.
We are evaluating intercropping of maize and soybean against the traditional method of mixed
cropping when maize and soybean seeds are mixed and sown as a mixture. This concept was
tried to replace the traditional mixed cropping of maize and soybean in Guna watershed. More
efforts are needed to remove some doubts of the farmers. One farmer evaluated the
intecropping and it was used as a demonstration plot. Some farmers are convinced about the
usefulness of this planting method of different crops but they are waiting for the yields of
component crops in comparison to their traditional mixed cropping.
20

Integrated nutrient management (INM)
Based on soil test in Guna watershed 34 farmers evaluated on their fields the response to the
application of Boron (B) and Sulphur (S). On average they obtained 82% increase in yield of
soybean grain over their control. The control yield was 735 kg ha -1 while treated plots yielded
1340 kg ha -1 . Fifteen farmers evaluated separately the response to application of B,S, and
combined B+S. The results are shown in Table 4 and 5.
Project field- Soybean (Glycin max L. Merril) with Boron + Sulphur
Farmer field- Soybean (Glycin max L. Merill) without Boron + sulphur
21

Table 4. Impact of application of B, S alone and together on the grain yield of soybean
(q ha -1 ).
Name of the village
No. of
farmers
B S B+S Control
Kailashpura 9 9.31 11.27 10.58 6.56
Badoda Kalan 4 11.92 16.44 14.07 8.53
Banjari Bardi 2 10.78 15.00 18.22 7.22
Total/ Average 15 10.67 14.23 14.29 7.44
% increase over control 43 91 92 -
Table 5. Impact of B+S application on the grain yield of soybean (q ha -1 )
Name of the village No of farmers B+S Control
Kailashpura 15 10.84 6.64
Badoda Kalan 15 13.48 8.35
Banjari Bardi 4 15.94 7.06
Total/average 34 13.42 7.35
% increase over control 82
It appears S is the dominant limiting nutrient for soybean. Similar trials will be conducted in the
next year in Dewas and Bundi watersheds after finding out the deficient plant nutrients based
on soil analysis. In Guna watershed on 10 farmers fields improved variety of soybean plus
Rhizobium on average gave 56% more grain yield than their local variety. The local variety
yielded 730 kg ha -1 while the improved one yielded 1140 kg ha -1 . We observed more nodulation
in Rhizobium treated as well as B, S and B+S treated plots (Table 6).
Table 6. Impact of biofertilizers (Rhizobium + PSB) on the grain yield of soybean (q ha -1 ).
Name of the village No. of farmers Biofertilizers Control
Kailashpura 3 10.37 6.30
Badoda Kalan 4 12.26 7.50
Banjari Bardi 4 11.44 8.06
Total/average 11 11.36 7.29
% increase over control 56
Improved seed supply and village-based banks
In villages lack of good quality seeds of improved varieties of crops is a major constraint. In
order to improve the supply of quality seeds in the village at a reasonable rate we have
proposed a village-based seed bank concept. In this concept breeder’s seeds of improved highyielding
varieties is provided to the farmers and under technical supervision seed production is
undertaken. The self-help groups (SHGs) can procure the seeds and store properly till the next
season and make it available on cost basis to the farmers. This concept provides the income
generating opportunity along with ensures availability of good quality seeds in the villages.
22

During this year substantial quantities of improved seed of suitable crops were provided in all
the benchmark watersheds both during rainy seasons as well as during post rainy season. These
seeds were distributed to volunteer farmers on cost basis with a condition to return the seed to
village seed bank thus all the farmers in the village will be able to buy good quality seed at a
reasonable price right at their door step. Kharif crops seeds are being processed and there is
good encouragement by many farmers in all the watersheds.
Table 7. Amount of seed distributed during kharif and rabi seasons in different watersheds.
Kharif.
Crop
Variety
Quantity of seed distributed (kgs)
Dewas Guna Bundi
Maize Ratna 2232 - - 50
Sorghum CSV 15 50 50 50
Sorghum JJ 1041 250 250 200
Sorghum SPV 1022 250 250 200
Blackgram T 9 - - 50
Pigeonpea ICPL 87119 50 50 50
Rabi
Crop
Variety
Quantity of seed distributed (kg)
Dewas Guna Bundi
Chickpea ICCC 37 150 400 250
Chickpea ICCV 10 200 100 200
Chickpea ICCV 2 100 900 200
Chickpea KAK 2 100 100 0
In Dewas watershed a seed storage facility has been constructed and it will be used by the
farmers to store the seeds as a “seed bank”.
Improved see supply and village-based seed banks
Integrated pest and disease management is critical for protecting the environment as well as for
reducing the cost of cultivation. Our partners were trained for the production of nuclear
polyhedrosis virus (NPV) production and also neem-based pesticides use. Farmers were made
aware with the possibility of using biological and plant-based pesticides as well as safe methods
of handling chemical.
23

Weed control
Weeds are a big crop yield reducers in soybean crop in Guna. Labour unavailability to weed the
crops made the farmers to look for other alternatives. The research staff demonstrated the
effectiveness of spraying “Pursuit” as well as the method of spraying.
First section without herbicide, second section after application of herbicide
Diversification of crops and cropping systems
In Guna watershed farmers were expressed to grow vegetables specially chilly growing and
raising horticulture tree nursery like mangos, in order to supplement their income in addition to
their traditional crop production.
In Bundi the consortium under took “Participatory biodiversity conservation”. The
Consortium has adopted a sustainable rural livelihoods approach and is assisting the local
community to understand and appreciate the need for restoring and conserving local
biodiversity. To start with, the elected body of the local community (Panchayat) was taken
into confidence. The community agreed to stop grazing their cattle in half the area (40 ha)
for five years. It also authorized the Panchayat to enforce social and physical fencing around
the area to initiate conservation measures with their active support.
The efforts are now bearing the fruits. The 40 ha degraded common lands are rehabilitated
and the community is benefiting in terms of grass availability and development on
greenery. In the process, biodiversity is restored and conservation is also achieved. We have
initiated a study to understand the process and the extent of biodiversity conservation
24

through this community participatory approach. The results of this novel approach are
discussed. The local community has begun to appreciate them. But the consortium is faced
with many challenges. There are the landless whose livelihood depends on livestock. There
are vested interests that had encroached part of the common grazing and have a contempt
for the efforts. And there is electoral politics at the Pancahyat level as part of the on-going
experiment of local self-governance. These and many other issues work often at crosspurpose
in the process.
The various crop management interventions demonstrated in all the nucleuses watersheds
have indicate more than the target response. Our endeavor is to make all the farmers in the
target regions to adopt these promising interventions. Consortium partners are striving in
this direction.
Income generating activities
A beginning has been made in all the benchmark sites. In Dewas and Guna, the NGOs are
encouraging to buyback the improved seeds from the farmers in order to form a seed bank
SHG. In Guna 1000 chicks were distributed to different farmers and women are showing
great interest to learn this “backyard poultry” system and we hope to form women’s SHG.
Also in Guna in order to form a viable and profitable dairy, improving the local
cattle/buffalos breeds through artificial insemination (AI) was undertaken and 15 farmers
have opted so far.
In Dewas watershed also farmers have shown interest to improve their milk and draft
cattle/buffalos, poultry and the consortium partners are planning to start a animal
husbandry clinic right in the village with the help of BAIF so that this service will be easily
available to them.
Modul II: Activities of Empowering the Farmers, NGOs, and Other
Stakeholders through Training and Dissemination of Information
Capacity Building
Capacity building and empowering the stakeholders is one of the important strategy for
scaling-up the benefits. During the first season in spite of short period available, considerable
efforts were made for building the capacity of the partners and farmers. In all the watershed
25

farmers took active part in all the training courses and also to undertake evaluation of various
improved options on their farms. In all the watersheds training activities were undertaken and
the activities of Guna watershed are described.
In Guna watershed the following training courses were conducted for capacity building of
farmers.
These are: Seed treatment with thiram and bavistin
Seed treatment with Biofertilizers
Vermicompost preparation
NADEP method of compost preparation
Nursery raising of Gliricidia and vegetables
Use of improved machinery i.e. tropicultor
BBF formation using tractor
Plantation of Gliricidia sapling, cuttings and vegetable saplings
Plantation of horticultural plants.
Number of exposure visits from farmers organized
A large number of farmers from all the three nucleus watersheds visited the ICRISAT-ICAR
Farmers Day at Bhopal, 24-26 September 2002. These farmers were exposed to improved crop
and cropping system practices by observing the trials/demonstrations of ICRISAT as well as
that of IISS. All the farmers were very much impressed by seeing the effects of improved
practices on various crops. Interestingly a large number of women farmers from Dewas (more
than 50% farmers out of 100 were women) attended the farmers day at Bhopal.
Awareness for soybean products in farmers diets
Based on a survey about the awareness of soybean in farmers diet on September 6 th , 2002 an
awareness camp for farmers was organized at Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering,
Bhopal. Total of 33 men and women farmers of the area and surrounding were participated.
During the camp participants were explained about the various components of food (e.g.
carbohydrates, proteins, fats, minerals, vitamins etc.) and their importance in body building and
health by the nutrition experts. To fulfill the requirement of the body for various components
they were made aware about the various available sources. Importance of soybean as a cheap
available source of protein and its role in regularizing the various diseases was stressed.
In a soybean processing unit various soybean based products such as soya milk, soya
paneer/tofu, soya nuts, soya biscuits, soya flour, soya dal etc, were demonstrated. The
procedures were explained for making various osya products. The participants also tasted soya
nuts, soya paneer ‘pakoras’, soya fortified sweets etc. they were shown the machinery used in
commercial processing of various soya products/soya based products.
Many farmers expressed their willingness to learn the recipes of various soya products and
include in their diet, a packet of 8-10 soya biscuits were given to every participants for its
publicity and to build up the confidence among users for soya products.
Recommendations/actions suggested
• More awareness camps for farmers of different villages needs be arranged.
• Off campus training camps for 1-2 days may be arranged at village level, where villagers
can themselves see the preparations of soya products/taste and also some representative
villagers can also assist trainers and have hands on.
26

A farmers day at Kailashpura watershed (Guna district) was organized on September 18 th 2002.
More than 150 men and women farmers from other TATA-ICRISAT nucleus watersheds as well
as from nearby villages attended. In the morning they saw various interventions in different
farmers fields. After a “Priti-Bhoj” in the afternoon they interacted with the staff consortium and
discussed about crop and livestock improvement and management and formation of SHG for
poultry and nursery raising.
Demonstration on Soya flour making machinery
Farmers enjoying nutritious soya paneer products
27

Soak pits
As discussed under strategy in this project holistic approach is used and watersheds are used as
entry points only for sustainable development in villages. For improving the hygienic
conditions in the villages and simultaneously use the wastewater for groundwater recharging in
Guna. We have initiated soak pit mission on a pilot scale. We demonstrated the construction of
“Soak pits” in Guna watershed and farmers have already built a few of them. The whole village
has decided to have soak pits for their homes. These will serve two purposes namely recharging
groundwater with used water and also achieving more hygiene in the village.
28

Training materials
Pamphlets on vermicompost and Gliricidia for green manuring and training manual on
integrated watershed management have been prepared for the use of farmers and extension
workers. A website describing various project activities has been constructed and is operational.
Module III: Establish an Information and Communication Technology
(ICT)-Enabled Farmer-Centered Learning System
ICT-enabled learning system established in each benchmark watershed
Information communication and technology (ICT) plays an important role for capacity building
and empowering the partners as well as farmers. In our villages connectivity for internet is a
real problem and through this project we are experimenting with VSAT technology for
establishing ICT hubs in the villages. In all the benchmark watersheds we have established
satellite dish antennae and VSAT receivers and connectivity is established. Now our partners
are connecting through reliable network links and can communicate with the world. We are
developing the contents in local language and as a part of distance learning program we have
already initiated efforts to establish a virtual university for climate variability management.
This facility will enable to collect information from the farmers of the area and to disseminate
where ever it is sought and similarly information needed by these farmers also will be sought
from various sources and will be supplied to them including market information etc.
29

TaTa-ICRISAT-ICAR-BAIF-SPS Project on
Combating Land Degradation and Increasing Productivity
in Madhya Pradesh and Eastern Rajasthan
Samaj Pragati Sahayog
Workplan 2002-2003
Location: Kanad Watershed (Villages Semli and Shampura),
Bagli Tehsil, Dewas District, Madhya Pradesh
APPENDIX 1
Long Term Objective: Minimise land degradation and increase productivity to enhance
livelihoods through Watershed++ interventions
Project Objectives:
1. Build benchmark database on various socio-economic and agro-ecological parameters in the
project area.
2. Develop land use planning models fine-tuned to the varying matrices of natural resource
constraints in the watershed.
3. Provide various livelihood options to build upon watershed work already being carried out
in the project area.
Sl. No. Activity Intervention
1 Baseline Surveys, Awareness • Household Surveys
Generation and Social
• Natural Resource Surveys
Mobilisation
• Awareness Camps
• Group Formation
2 Agriculturl Improvement
Programme
30
• Soil Testing
• Soil and in-situ Water Conservation
• Provision of Improved Crops/Varieties
• Improved Planting Methods
• Better Input Packages including Vermicomposting
etc.
• Integrated Pest Management
3 Nursery Development • Nursery Technique Experimentation
• Location-specific Species
4 Land Use Planning • Various Options of Combining Agriculture
with Grasses, Horticulture and Forestry
5 Livestock Improvement
• Veterinary Services
Programme
• Artificial Insemination
6 Human Resource Development • Training Programmes
• Exposure Visits
7 Soil Nutrient Management • Setting up Soil Testing Laboratory
8 Seed Storage Facility • Construction of Godown for Seed Storage

ICRISAT-Tata Project
Combating Land Degradation and Increasing Productivity in
Madhya Pradesh and Eastern Rajasthan
Development-cum-Research Interventions for the year 2002-2003
Guna District, Madhya Pradesh
Workplans 2002-2003
31
APPENDIX 2
Location: Bada Kailashpura, Sundarpura and Banjari Bardi located in Guna District of Madhya
Pradesh have been selected for the development-cum-research for ICRISAT-Tata Project. The
consortium team of scientists will support the BAIF team for undertaking refinement,
evaluation and adoption of integrated watershed development options at these locations in
partnership with the farmers.
Purpose: To minimize land degradation and increase productivity and incomes through
sustainable management of natural resources in the watershed by adopting farmer participatory
integrated watershed management and livelihood options.
Objectives:
• To document and characterize the baseline socioeconomic and natural resourcebase
potential in the watershed villages
• Refine and adopt integrate soil, water, nutrient and crop management options for increasing
the productivity of agricultural production systems in the watershed
• To improve livelihoods through increasing incomes by diversifying farming systems such
as agri-horticultural, animal-based and silvi-pastoral systems as per the land capability
Research Plan:
The schedule of activities is shown in the table below:
Sl.No. Activity Interventions
1. Baseline socioeconomic survey • Detailed household surveys
and social mobilization
• Assessment of natural resources
• Community mobilization
2. Increasing productivity of
Agricultural plots (150 ha
rainy and postrainy seasons
together)
• Soil and in-situ rainwater conservation (landform
treatments, contour cultivation and
planting, vegetative bunding etc.)
• Improved planting methods using improved
machineries (bullock-drawn tropicultors and
tractor-drawn BBF maker cum planter)
• Improved crops/varieties and
cropping systems diversification
along with best bet options.
• Integrated nutrient management options
including B and S amendments
• Few farms as organic farms to be initiated

Sl.No. Activity Interventions
3. Income generating agrihorticultural
• Planting suitable fruit trees
and vegetable • Low-cost efficient irrigation systems
systems – (10 ha)
• Nutrient management options
4. Nursery raising for Gliricida
and Leucaena plants for
planting on bunds
25,000 m length/50,000
plants to be covered
5. Converting organic residues
into valuable manure
through biocomposting
6. Increased forage production
(5 ha)
7. Increasing animal
productivity and poultrybased
activities
8. Community health and
wasteland development (5
ha)
• Self-help group formation
• Growing nursery of plants
• Planting on the bunds
• Motivate individuals/SHGs
• Construction of composting structures
• Preparation of compost and maintenance of
vermiculture
• Cultivating improved varieties of forage crops
• Value addition to straw by urea treatment,
silage preparation, etc.
• Strengthening of artificial insemination center
• Assist SHG formation
• Revolving fund for cross-breed animals and
poultry birds
• Soil and moisture conservation measures such
as CCT, staggered trenching
• Planting Gliricida and other trees
• Soak pits in the village
• Parapet wall for drinking water well
9. Human resource
development activity for
skill enhancement
10. Miscellaneous
• Strengthening of 5 CBOs for activities such as
grain bank, fodder bank
• Training for on-farm income generating
activities (grafting, poultry rearing, nursery
raising, Vermicomposting, dairy farming etc.)
(50 participants x Rs.300 per participant for 3
days)
• Training-cum-exposure visit for farmers (20
farmers visit to ICRISAT and Kothapally
Watershed 20 x Rs. 1250 per head)
• Farmers day at Watershed
32

Responsible Scientists:
BAIF
Dr. A.B. Pande
Dr. Somnath Roy
ICRISAT
Dr. S.P. Wani
Dr. T.J. Rego
Dr. A. Ramakrishna
Mr. P. Pathak
Dr. Piara Singh
Dr. C.L.L. Gowda
Dr. V. Balaji
Dr. G.V. Ranga Rao
Dr. A.B. Pande
Program Coordinator
BAIF
Dr. S.P. Wani
Principal Scientist (Watersheds)
and Regional Project Coordinator
33

TaTa-ICRISAT Project
Combating Land Degradation and Increasing Productivity in
Madhya Pradesh and Eastern Rajasthan
Development-cum-Research Interventions for the year 2002-2003
Bundi District, Rajasthan
Workplans 2002-2003
APPENDIX 3
Location: Thana and Govardhanpura villages are located in Hindoli Taluka of Bundi District of
Rajasthan have been selected for the development-cum-research for TATA-ICRISAT Project.
The consortium team of scientists will support the BAIF team for undertaking refinement,
evaluation and adoption of integrated watershed development options at these locations in
partnership with the farmers.
Purpose: To minimize land degradation and increase productivity and incomes through
sustainable management of natural resources in the watershed by adopting farmer participatory
integrated watershed management and livelihood options.
Objectives:
• To document and characterize the baseline socio-economic and natural resource base
potential in the watershed villages
• Refine and adopt integrate soil, water, nutrient and crop management options for increasing
the productivity of agricultural production systems in the watershed
• To improve livelihoods through increasing incomes by diversifying farming systems such
as agri-horticultural, animal-based and silvi-pastoral systems as per the land capability
Methodology:
1. Benchmark site selection
2. Socio economic and NRM based Survey
3. Orientation of the project
4. Conducting public meeting
5. Conducting PRA
6 Identification and selection of willing farmers for on farm trials
7. Soil analysis
8. Formation of user groups/SHG
9. Training and exposure visit for application of recommended agronomic packages of
practices
34

Research Plan :
The schedule of activities is shown in the table below:
Sl. No. Activity Interventions
1. Baseline socioeconomic
• Detailed household surveys
survey and social
• Assessment of natural resources
mobilization
• Community mobilization
2. Increasing productivity of
Agricultural plots (100 ha
rainy and post rainy seasons
together)
Kharif
35 ha Maize
9 ha Black Gram
1 ha Yellow Gram
5 ha Guar
Rabi
40 ha Wheat
5 ha Mustard
5 ha Gram
3. Income generating vegetable
systems(10 ha)Chilly and Pea
4. Promotion of Low-cost
efficient irrigation systems(3
Unit)
5. Converting organic residues
into valuable manure
through biocomposting and
vermicomposting
6. Increased forage production
(5 ha)
7. Increasing animal
productivity and poultrybased
activities
8. Establishing vegetative
bunds with N-fixation
plants/nursery raising for
Gliricidia and for planting on
bunds 25,000 m length/
50,000 plants to be planted
• Improved planting methods using improved
machineries (bullock-drawn tropicultors and
tractor-drawn BBF maker cum planter)
• Improved crops/varieties and cropping
systems diversification along with best
bet options.
• Integrated nutrient management options
including B and S amendments
• Few farms as organic farms to be initiated
• Nutrient management options
• Efficient water management options
• Installation of Sprinkler Set
• Installation of micro tube drip system for
existing Horticulture plots
• Motivate individuals/SHGs
• Construction of Super composting
structures(60)
• Preparation of vermicomposting bed(60)
• Cultivating improved varieties of forage crops
• Improved soil, water and nutrient management
options
• Value addition to straw by urea treatment,
silage preparation, etc.
• Strengthening of artificial insemination center
• Assist SHG formation
• Revolving fund for supply of upgraded male
goat
• SHG formation
• Growing nursery plants
• Planting on bunds
9. Community health program • Chlorination of wells
• Soak pits in the village
35

10. Human resource
development activity for skill
enhancement
10. Staff Implementation cost
• Strengthening of 5 CBOs for activities such as
grain bank, fodder bank
• Training for on-farm income generating
activities (grafting, goat rearing, nursery
raising, Vermicomposting, dairy farming etc.)
(50 participants x Rs.300 per participant for 3
days)
• Training-cum-exposure visit for farmers (20
farmers visit to ICRISAT and Kothapally
Watershed 20 x Rs. 1250 per head)
• Farmers day at Watershed
36

Available Amenities at Selected Villages Under TATA-ICRISAT Project
at Taluka Hindoli District Bundi
Particular Bundi Hindoli Thana Goverdhan
pura
Total Area(H) 581044 134038 1347 409
1.Forest land 135660 42907 30 165
2.Irrigated land 226868 20962 118 59
3.Unirrigated land with fallow land 152998 26383 442 139
4.Cultivable waste & Gaucher lands 62019 20299 43 23
5.Area not available for cultivation 95906 26538 714 23
B.Demographic Profile
a. Total Population 770248 151669 1333 392
1 . Male 407826 80188 692 392
2. Female 362422 71481 641 206
b. Schedule Caste
1 . Male 76934 15274 180 1
2. Female 67876 13337 149 2
c. Schedule Tribe
1 . Male 82928 14651 188 179
2. Female 73022 12887 169 153
d. Total workers 42.73% 45.32%
1 . Male 53.07% 53.90% 368 105
2. Female 31.07% 35.69% 136 21
e.Total Nonworkers 57.27% 54.68%
1 . Male 46.93% 46.10% 313 101
2. Female 96.92% 64.31% 281 90
C. Facilities
1 Education C(1),H(68),M(190),
P(653),A(376),ITI(5)
H(12),M(31),P(146),
PUC(2),AC(130)
H(1),M(1),
P(1),,AC(1)
P(1),AC(1)
2.Medical
H(4),D(27),PHC(24)
ANM(230),MPW(35),
CHW(69)
H(2),D(9),PHC(5)
PHS(12),CWC(1),
MCW(1),CHW(1)
H(1),PHC(1)
3.Potable Drinking Water Tap Water supply TWS,HP,TW,W W& HP W&HP
4.Post& Telegraph Yes Yes PO Nil
5. Approach Road Pucca Pucca Pucca Kacha
6.Communication Bus/Train Bus Private Jeep On Foot
7. Distance From Bundi(Km) 0 27 38 40
8.Electric Power Supply Yes Yes ED,EAG ED,EAG
9.Literacy % 32.75% 22.15% 270 68
1 . Male 47.40% 34.77% 207 61
2. Female 16.13% 07.86% 63 07
Nil
37